PROPELLER PREPARATION

With spring and the new season just about here, it’s time to get the boat ready. Too often, many overlook the propeller(s). After all, they’re a vital part of the transmission of your boat; together with the gear case, they convert the engine’s energy into propulsion and movement. This Captain’s Test will help you get yours ready for 2022.

1. When you put your boat away for the season, you noticed that the blades on your propeller were rough and wrinkled. How did that happen, and what should you do about it?

A. You most likely dragged the gear case over some bottom obstruction, and the propeller blades suffered some minor damage. Remove your prop and have a good propeller shop repair it before you launch for the season.

B. Prop blades get that way after time. There’s nothing you can do about it, so just go boating.

C. It’s normal wear. Take a hammer and file with you next time you visit your boat in storage and fix the darn thing. D. None of the above

2. What’s better, a stainless-steel propeller or an aluminum one?

A. Stainless props are always better than aluminum ones.

B. It depends on your application and where you boat. For example, if your waters are full of underwater obstructions, it may not pay to run a stainless propeller because you might damage the propeller shaft if you hit bottom. An aluminum prop will bend and break first.

C. A painted aluminum propeller is a better choice.

D. None of the above

3. Your current propeller is a three-blade stainless-steel model. Your friends are telling you to switch to a four-blade stainless. Why might you do that, and what would be the benefit?

A. A four-blade won’t break as easily as a three-blade.

B. A four-blade won’t corrode as quickly as a three-blade.

C. A four-blade typically offers a quicker hole shot and faster planing.

D. A four-blade typically handles better in rough water due to more blade area in the water at any given time.

E. C and D

F. None of the above

4. What type of propeller is likely best for a bass-fishing-style highperformance V-hull?

A. A cleaver-style racing propeller.

B. A four-blade propeller.

C. A propeller with a low pitch, large diameter and large blade area.

D. A high-rake lifting propeller designed to run at semi-surfacing transom height.

E. None of the above

5. If your propeller is stuck on the prop shaft, what should you do?

A. Heat it and beat it.

B. Use a combination of heat, lubrication and the proper propeller pulling tool to remove it.

C. Cut it off.

D. If you’re not equipped and experienced, let a professional technician do it.

E. B or D

F. None of the above

6. What’s the best way to select a propeller for your boat?

A. Use the factory propeller-selection guide to start. Then, using your tachometer and speedometer, test several examples to dial in to the best performing propeller.

B. Buy one using Facebook Marketplace; that’s where the best prices are. C. Discuss with friends and fellow boaters. They typically have the best advice. D. Visit your dealer and ask for help in testing and selecting the propeller that performs best for your application and in your typical operating conditions with your typical loads.

E. A or D

(Answers from page 16)

1. A. This is the best answer, although C will surely tempt a lot of DIYers.

2. B. This is the best answer; however, many might argue that A is correct.

3. E. A four-blade propeller usually offers quicker planing and easier

4. D. A high-rake lifting propeller is typically necessary on a bass boat to make it fly best. handling in most applications, though some speed might be lost.

5. E. B and D are both correct, depending on your skill and experience levels, and what tools you have access to.

6. E. A or D will garner the best results and help you buy the best propeller without investing in many different ones.